Government of Canada Invests in Jobs and Naval Communications Technology

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 11, 2012) - The Government of Canada today announced a contract to DRS Technologies Canada Ltd. for an advanced wireless radio communications network for the Halifax-class frigates. The announcement that will support skilled work for employees in Ottawa, Ontario and Bedford, Nova Scotia during a five year period, was made today by the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie).

"Our Government is proud of its historic investments in the Canadian Armed Forces, while supporting jobs and economic growth across our country," said Minister Valcourt. "The upgraded radio network will enable the onboard frigate crew members to more reliably communicate with each other. It will also assure work for skilled employees both in Ontario and Nova Scotia."

"Our Government's priority remains the economy and job creation," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. "Through this contract award we are not only ensuring that the Royal Canadian Navy has the tools it needs to do the jobs we ask of it, we're also contributing to the Canadian economy."

The 12 Canadian-built Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigates are considered the backbone of the RCN fleet. They can deploy anywhere in the world - with NATO or individual allied nations. Most recently, HMCS Charlottetown has been deployed as part of NATO operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea. This communications capability will permit the ship's crew to more effectively and safely conduct exercises and operations in defence of Canada.

The competitively awarded contract falls under the existing Halifax-class Modernization / Frigate Equipment Life Extension project. The contract, valued at approximately $12.3 million, includes the procurement, delivery, installation, and verification of the radio equipment required for each of the 12 Halifax-class ships, between 2012 and 2017.